Deputies Seek To ID Armed Robbery Suspect
November 27, 2012
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is looking to identify a man that robbed a gas station and attempted to rob a Family Dollar.
The man first tried to rob a Family Dollar at 1817 West Fairfield drive on the evening of November 17, according to a Monday news release. The man told the clerk he was armed and demanded money. He ran away from the store after the clerk yelled out to the manager, deputies said.
Later in the evening, the same man entered the Shell gas station on Davis Highway just north of I-10 and told the clerk he had a weapon and demanded money. Investigators said the man gave the suspect an undetermined amount of money and he fled the area in gray Jeep Cherokee, possibly a 1998-2001 model year.
The suspect was described as a white male, possibly in his late 40’s to early 50’s, five-foot-nine to six feet tall, with salt and pepper colored hair. He was wearing a long sleeved shirt, dark blue shorts and white shoes.
Anyone with information on the suspect’s identity is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Scott Challenges Colleges To Offer $10,000 Degrees
November 27, 2012
Gov. Rick Scott “challenged” state colleges to create $10,000 four-year degrees, a continuation of his low-cost strategy for higher education that Democrats slammed as an attempt to turn the schools into “the Walmart of Education.”
Scott issued his challenge in a media blitz and a morning press conference at St. Petersburg College, with another event scheduled for Orlando in the afternoon.
“You should be able to work and go to school and not end up with debt,” Scott told WFLA TV, according to a transcript provided by his office. “If these degrees cost so much money, tuition is so high, that’s not going to happen. I have put out this challenge to our state colleges — we have 28 great state colleges — and say, ‘Can you come up with degrees where individuals can get jobs that the total degree costs $10,000?’”
State colleges are generally what used to be known as community colleges, though many of them now offer four year degrees.
The proposal echoes a similar push by Texas Gov. Rick Perry, Scott’s political idol, for $10,000 degrees in that state. It also comes as Scott has made containing the costs of higher education a top priority after colleges and universities say years of budget cuts have forced tuition hikes.
At the morning press conference, St. Petersburg College President William Law said his school would accept the challenge.
“St. Petersburg College is once again excited about the opportunity to be part of a statewide college pilot program that lowers the cost of a college education for the citizens we serve,” Law said in a press release. “Affordable education always has been at the forefront of the college’s mission.”
Scott did not appear to be offering any new funding to colleges to help cover the cost of the initiative.
Scott has talked about the $10,000 degree program before, and others have proposed a set cost for higher education. A blue ribbon task force set up by Scott to study the State University System — which doesn’t include the colleges — recommended a similar goal for Florida’s 12 universities.
“The state will maintain a full-time, resident, undergraduate tuition option with a targeted rate of approximately … $15,000 for a bachelor’s degree,” the task force’s report said.
But the Florida Democratic Party blasted the idea in an email, saying Scott should instead focus on increasing funding for higher education.
“We’ve heard these empty words from Rick Scott before and Florida’s middle class families are looking for real leadership — not failed gimmicks masquerading as sound bites,” the party said.
By Brandon Larrabee, The News Service of Florida
Tate, Ransom Band Students To Perform With The Dallas Brass
November 27, 2012
Next month, the internationally acclaimed Dallas Brass will perform with band students from Tate High and Ransom Middle schools.
This American Musical Journey concert will include music from the time of George Washington to the present day. The event will be held at 7 p.m. on December 3 at Hillcrest Baptist Church. All tickets are $10 at the door.
About the Dallas Brass
Since its founding in 1983 by Michael Levine, the Dallas Brass has become one of America’s foremost musical ensembles. The group has established a unique blend of traditional brass instruments with a full complement of drums and percussion, which creates a performing entity of extraordinary range and musical challenges. The Dallas Brass repertoire includes classical masterpieces, Dixieland, swing, Broadway, Hollywood and patriotic music.
In addition to their solo engagements, the Dallas Brass appears with symphony orchestras nationwide. Symphonic credits include the Cincinnati Pops conducted by Erich Kunzel, New York Pops conducted by Skitch Henderson, and the Philly Pops conducted by Peter Nero. The Dallas Brass has performed at Carnegie Hall, the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, and has toured overseas to Europe and the Far East. They have shared the stage with the late Bob Hope, have performed for Presidents Gerald Ford and George H. W. Bush, have appeared on the CBS “Early Show,” and their music has been used numerous times on the television show, “The Young & The Restless”.
The ensemble has released six recordings: Debut, Dallas Brass II, A Merry Christmas with Brass, Windborne, Nutcracker and American Musical Journey.
Eugenia Lawley Edwards
November 27, 2012
Mrs. Eugenia Lawley Edwards, 86, passed away on Saturday, November 24, 2012, in Century.
Mrs. Edwards was a native of Jemison, AL and resided in Atmore for the past 60 years. Mrs. Edwards attended the First Baptist Church for 55 years. She was OES- Past Grand Matron, Clerk at Sears Store of Atmore and Brewton for 20 years and Vanity Fair. Her husbands, H.H. Lawley and Chester Edwards, and son, Herbert Lawley, precede her in death.
Survivors include one son, Mike Lawley of Lillian; one daughter, Dianne (Tom) Locke of Atmore; daughter-in-law, Sharlene Treherne of Fairhope; three grandchildren, Shawn (James) Sumerall, Jessica (Stephen) Tucker and Tim (Lisa) Lawley; one great-grandchild, Noah Tucker; and beloved friend and caretaker, Bonnie Neighbors.
Funeral services will be Thursday, November 29, 2012, at 1 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Arnold Hendrix officiating.
Burial will follow at the Oak Hill Cemetery.
Visitation will be Wednesday, November 28, 2012, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be James Micocci, Ben Lawson, Tom Locke, Steven Tucker, Patrick Treherne and Timothy Lawley.
Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Homes, LLC in charge of all arrangements.
Iona McCurdy Busbee
November 27, 2012
Iona McCurdy Busbee, age 82, of Jay, went to be with her Heavenly Father on November 26, 2012.
She enjoyed cross-stitching and her church work. She loved her family and friends and was a member of Gospel Temple in Century. Iona was a loving and dedicated mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to all that knew and loved her.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, P.L. Busbee; grandson, Johnny Busbee; one brother and five sisters.
She is survived by her son, Frank (Margie) Busbee of Flomaton; grandson, Ken (Leslie) Busbee of Clarksville, TN; five great-grandsons; sister, Doris Boutwell and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 28, 2012, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Jay Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 29, 2012, at 11 a.m. with Brother James Gay officiating services.
Burial will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be Marion Williams, Randy Williams, Bobby Williams, Mitch McCall, Aaron Smith and Butch Pace.
Honorary pallbearers are the men of Gospel Temple Church in Century.
Jay Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Booster Seats Required For Kids Under 7 Under Proposed Law
November 27, 2012
Most children under 7 would have to ride in a booster seat or other safety seat under legislation filed Monday in the state Senate.
The proposal – which federal officials have been pushing Florida to pass for several years – is aimed at avoiding injuries to children who remain too small to be adequately protected by an adult seatbelt, even after they’re too big for infant car seats.
Florida is one of three states that don’t require older children to ride in a booster seat after age 4.
Children over 4′ 9″ inches would be exempt from the new requirement under the bill (SB 66), filed by Sen. Thad Altman, R-Viera. It has no companion in the House, where no bills have been filed yet for this legislative year. Altman also carried the same bill last year, but it failed to pass.
Advocates say children with smaller body frames don’t fit properly in seat belts, and sometimes are injured even worse in crashes because of them. Backers also say poor children are particularly at risk – because they may not regularly see a pediatrician who would tell their parents that.
Florida passed the requirement in 2001, but Gov. Jeb Bush vetoed it. He said at the time he was concerned that the bill might hurt low-income families, and that it went beyond the requirements of other states – something that has since changed.
Bush also said in his veto message that “we must place some trust in parents and recognize that almost every parent in our state, more so than government, wants their child to lead healthy, safe lives.”
Opponents have argued they weren’t convinced that the seats had a marked likelihood of preventing deaths, though backers say there is statistical evidence of it.
It’s the second auto safety measure filed for the upcoming legislative session, which officially begins in March, but begins committee hearings next week. Last week, Sen. Nancy Detert, R-Venice, filed legislation (SB 52) that would ban texting and driving, though it would only allow police to ticket motorists for the offense if they’ve been pulled over for something else.
By David Royse, The News Service of Florida
Work Begins To Demolish Town’s Asbestos Containing Building
November 26, 2012
Work is scheduled to begin to day to demolish an large, dilapidated asbestos-containing building in Century.
The town council had voted to demolish the building at 7601 Mayo Street back in 2011, but asbestos concerns put those plans on hold. A study found asbestos in the older 6,400 square foot two story portion of the building, as well as in the newer single story portion of the structure, according to Century Mayor Freddie McCall.
The town found a grant from the Regional Planning Council to abate the asbestos and demolish the structure. Because the town is not eligible to receive the grant, the building was deeded to the Century Chamber of Commerce, which is eligible for the assistance.
Once the building is demolished, the chamber will have up to 10 years to lure development to the property or it will revert back to the town. The town will approve or deny any lease or purchase of the property.
The white, mostly brick building across from the old hospital housed doctors’ offices and even a pharmacy and soda fountain years ago. It has been abandoned for several years and is in an obvious state of disrepair with roof and structural problems.
The building demolition and asbestos abatement are scheduled to be complete by December 12. Residents and visitors to the area are asked to use caution and abide by all safety notifications and barriers.
Pictured above: This building on Mayo Street will be demolished. Pictured below: The interior of the building. NorthEscambia.com file photos.
Rain Becoming Likely
November 26, 2012
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Tonight: A chance of showers, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. South wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
- Tuesday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before noon, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. High near 68. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
- Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. North wind around 5 mph.
- Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 66. North wind 5 to 10 mph.
- Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 36. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph.
- Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 67. East wind around 5 mph.
- Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 44. East wind around 5 mph.
- Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 70. East wind around 5 mph becoming southeast in the afternoon.
- Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 51.
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 72.
- Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 50.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 74.
Traffic Reminder: Sunshine Hill Road Bridge Remains Closed
November 26, 2012
The bridge on Sunshine Hill Road in Molino was closed for repairs last week and is expected to remain closed for about three weeks. The bridge, located just south of Cedar Springs Road, is expected to reopen by December 10.
The Sunshine Hill Road bridge is currently scheduled to be replaced with a new structure with construction beginning in February 2013.
Supreme OK’s Consideration Of Eyewitness Race
November 26, 2012
Jurors could be told they can consider racial differences between an eyewitness and a defendant in considering the witness’ testimony, according to a new set of jury instructions published this week by the Florida Supreme Court.
“Whether the eyewitness and the offender are of different races or ethnic groups, and whether this may have affected the accuracy of the identification” is among a list of factors that a judge can now tell jurors they are allowed to consider if a witness’ identification of a defendant is disputed and a judge is asked to give the instructions.
In all, jurors would be told they can consider nine factors in weighing an eyewitness identification, many of which deal with the context of the identification or whether a witness was somehow influenced to point to a suspect.
Eyewitness testimony has come under increasing fire in recent years from advocates for wrongfully convicted inmates, who say the identifications are often inaccurate but are very persuasive to jurors.
By The News Service of Florida